Heat-Shrinking Bell With Movable Partition For Chamber Volume Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-shrinking installations consume a significant amount of power to achieve the required heating, as they heat the entire enclosure volume, including unnecessary areas.
Innovation Solution
The installation features a movable bell with an internal partition that defines a main chamber, allowing only this volume to be heated, reducing energy consumption, and includes adjustable steam extraction valves and a vapor seal to control temperature and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the entire enclosure volume is heated, then the heat-shrinking process can be performed, but the power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into a main chamber and a bell section. The partition separates the heated volume from the bell, allowing only the necessary main chamber volume to be heated while the bell remains unheated or minimally heated, thus resolving the contradiction between adequate heating coverage and excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Heating is concentrated locally in the main chamber where the supports and sleeves are positioned, rather than heating the entire enclosure uniformly. The heat diffusion means are positioned to target specifically the main chamber volume, providing adequate heating where needed while avoiding waste in the bell section.
2Loss of energy
If the bell is sealed against the base, then heat retention is improved, but access to the conveyor is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The bell is designed to be movable between a sealed position (for heat retention during operation) and an open position (for access to the conveyor). This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between maintaining heat and allowing operational access, resolving the contradiction between heat retention and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bell is periodically opened for loading/unloading operations and then closed for the heat-shrinking process. This periodic switching between open and closed states allows the system to achieve both good heat retention during processing and easy access during operational phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If the partition is fixed in position, then the main chamber volume is defined, but adaptability to different support types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is made movable along the conveyor direction, allowing its position to be adjusted according to the type and size of supports being processed. This dynamic positioning enables the main chamber volume to be adapted to different support configurations while maintaining precise volume definition during each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume of the main chamber is made variable by adjusting the partition position. Different support types require different chamber volumes for optimal heat-shrinking, and the movable partition allows this parameter (chamber volume) to be changed to match the specific requirements of each support type.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces power consumption by heating only the necessary volume and allows for adaptable heating based on the type of support or sleeve, enhancing energy efficiency and heat-shrinking quality.
Implementation Method 1
an enclosure provided with means for diffusing heat within the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
electric heating means such as infrared elements fixed to the side walls of the enclosure
Implementation Method 3
steam heating means which comprise steam diffusers fixed to the side walls of the enclosure, the steam diffusers being connected to a steam inlet orifice made in the enclosure
Implementation Method 4
the partition comprises a vapor seal extending along its edges
Implementation Method 5
the partition is equipped with at least one valve with adjustable opening for suction of the gases present in the main chamber through the partition
Implementation Method 6
drops of condensation forming on the top of the bell can flow along said side walls towards the base
Implementation Method 7
so that drops of condensation forming on the top of the bell can flow along said side walls towards the base
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention concerns an installation for heat-shrinking sleeves made from a heat shrinkable material inserted on supports, such as containers, comprising a housing (1) provided with heat diffusion means, a conveyor (2) for conveying the supports into the housing between an inlet (3) of the housing and an outlet (4) of the housing, the housing comprising a base (10) and a bell (7) which is movably mounted between a released position allowing access to the conveyor and an operational position in which it is attached sealingly against the base, the bell comprising two openings through which the conveyor extends when the bell is in the operational position. According to the invention, the bell comprises an inner partition (12) movably mounted between a retracted position and a service position in which the partition defines, with the side walls of the bell and the base, a main chamber (11) of the housing subjected to the action of the heat diffusion means when the bell is in the operational position.